Course Reserves during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Pivoting Print to Electronic Reserves through a Data Driven Process

Abstract

Libraries worldwide were physically shut down, although remotely quite active, for some or much of 2020 in reaction to the COVID-19 virus sweeping the globe. This happened mid-semester for many academic libraries, as the pandemic hit the U.S. and transmission rates started to rise in March 2020. Yale University needed to quickly pivot a heavily physical course reserves service - print books and physical video material held at library service points, - to all-electronic formats. Using data driven methods, Yale was able to match print holdings on physical reserve with digital items held in or able to be licensed through various fulfillment methods. This article outlines that process and provides suggestions for further development of Course Reserves services in remote learning environments.